Greenpeace faces $660 million fine after losing defamation lawsuit

In North Dakota, Greenpeace has been held accountable by a jury for defamation and related charges stemming from its protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The verdict, delivered after a three-week trial concluded on March 20, 2025, required the environmental organization to pay more than $660 million in damages. The lawsuit was initiated by Energy Transfer, the company managing the pipeline, which alleged that Greenpeace's actions led to significant disruptions and financial losses due to the protests that unfolded in 2016 and 2017. Greenpeace faced accusations of defamation, trespass, and creating civil unrest, charges that were aimed at undermining its credibility as an environmental advocacy group.